My money is riding on Japan’s exploits
Tomorrow is a huge day for me, and my personal interest in this World Cup.
In the afternoon, we have the Round of 16 tie between Croatia and Japan – the country I drew in the work sweep!
The Japanese have been sensational in this tournament.
Forget the controversy about the ball being over the line in the build-up to their winner over Spain.
They have played with great energy and self-belief.
To beat both Germany and the Spaniards was highly impressive. To do so by coming from behind in both games was remarkable.
Forget my personal investment in them. I would want them to do well off the back of those performances anyway.
Up against them will be Croatia, who got all the way to the Final in 2018, and who have been going about their business quietly in Qatar.
It is Luka Modric’s last World Cup, with the Real Madrid star having admitted enough is enough.
He is 37 now but, as Scotland fans can testify, is still a major talent, and he will be a danger to Japan, and my sweepie hopes, in this one.
Then at night, we have the country I expect to win the World Cup in action.
It is not South Korea, who qualified with a late win over Portugal, but five-time champions, Brazil.
They have been minus skipper Neymar through injury, and rested several of their bigger names ahead of the knock-out stages.
For all Richarlison scored a brilliant goal against Serbia, I do not think we have seen them firing on all cylinders yet.
It would be good to think this might be the day it all clicks together.
Even if that does not happen, I still believe they can go on and win the Cup.
You look at their squad, and they have more strength in depth than all the other countries.
That will not win it for them on its own. They will need to compete and carry some good fortune, to be successful.
But it does give them the best chance of doing so.